SICK has released the VMS 520 volume measurement system, tested and certified in line with recommendation no. 129 "for multidimensional measurement instruments" of the International Organisation for Legal Metrology (OIML).

The system meets the prerequisites for system integrators to obtain approval of complete weighing and identification systems from national authorities, such as the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig, Germany.

The system increases productivity in goods handling. It has two sensors heads installed above the conveyor system, and is capable of tasks where measurement data needs to comply with legal-for-trade regulations. The two sensor heads represent the complete system. Measurements from both heads are combined and processed within one of the sensor heads to provide the volume data result. No supplementary processing unit is required. The VMS 520 system supplies box and real volume data for cubed and irregular objects.

The VMS 520 fulfils the guidelines of the OIML R129 standard. The scale values and calibration error limit for all three dimensions is 0.5cm, based on a maximum transport speed of 2m/s. The smallest object measurable is 5cm.

For courier, express, and parcel logistics, a calibrated complete system can now be developed by combining the VMS 520, a legal-for-trade weighing system, and bar-code scanners. With the valid OIML certification documents, these analyser systems can be submitted for approval and legal-for-trade certification at the national testing authorities.

The size of the parcels or pallets determines how many units can be loaded onto a truck. Low weight does not generally equal small package size or low pallet load. In many areas of distribution logistics volume represents the relevant factor for calculating the transport service charge. The VMS 400 and VMS 500 series measure individual objects at millimetre accuracy. Instead of simply raising transport charges, customers can be charged based on the actual volume of goods. The additional charges based on the volume measurement of the goods can allow investment amortisation of the system within a few weeks. The measurement data also serves to optimise the usage of cargo space and transport capacities.

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